We love Miami for its vibrant culture, art and history. But it’s no secret that living here also costs a pretty penny. And visiting museums can get pricey too. But there are still tons of free museums throughout the city to visit, so if you’re on a bit of a budget but want to see paintings and sculptures, this list will certainly help!
Here, we’ll showcase museums currently offering free entrance at least one day a month as well as other fun and family-friendly activities that you can check out completely free of charge:
Pérez Art Museum Miami
Spend your day at PAMM and explore modern and contemporary art from all corners of the world. Exhibitions highlight Miami’s diverse community and pivotal geographic location at the crossroads of the Americas. There are also art activities on the museum’s ‘Free Second Saturdays’ from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
When: Free admission every second Saturday of every month.
HistoryMiami Museum
Learn all about Miami’s long and rich history at HistoryMiami on Family Fun Days where admission is free for all, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In fact, this is the largest history museum in all of Florida! The theme rotates around current exhibitions or around a national celebration and registration is required to participate.
When: Free Family Fun Days the second Saturday of every month.
The Bass Museum
Walk through Miami Beach’s one-of-a-kind contemporary art museum for free and from 2-4 p.m., participating in The Bass’ Family Day. The free program is created to engage families with children of all ages in activities through the arts.
When: Free admission on the last Sunday of every month for Family Day, and third Thursdays of every month from 6-9 p.m.
Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami
When you pay the amount you want, MOCA also hosts free jazz in their courtyard (rain or shine) at 8 p.m. Through its exhibits, visitors can expect thought-provoking pieces by under-explored art and artists, and lift up diverse voices and stories.
When: Entry is donation based on the last Friday of every month from 7-10 p.m.
Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA)
ICA Miami is deeply committed to year-round free and open access to innovative, large-scale art in the Miami Design District. Ticket reservations are highly recommended for guaranteed entry.
When: Admission is always free.
Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum at FIU
Since opening its doors on Florida International University’s Modesto A. Maidique Campus in 2008, the museum has provided the community with free access to world-class art that spans cultures and time periods.
When: Admission is always free.
Gold Coast Railroad Museum
Home to over 40 historic railcars — including Presidential Rail Car ‘Ferdinand Magellan’ and Florida East Coast Steam Locomotive #153 — head on out to GCRM on free admission days from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to enjoy locomotives, history, food and fun!
When: Free admission every first Saturday of every month.
Coral Gables Museum
Each month, the Coral Gables Museum hosts free days and nights. On Gallery Nights, you can enjoy live music, their exhibitions and a cocktail bar before heading out to eat in the area for more Friday night plans. On Family Days, you can join the museum for fun arts & crafts, alongside live music and the opportunity to see the exhibits on view.
When: Free admission every first Friday of the month at 6-10 p.m. for Gallery Nights and every second Saturday of the month for Family Day.
Miami Children’s Museum
Miami’s premier museum for kids, the Miami Children’s Museum is the place to be for families every third Friday. Also known as Free Third Friday, the little ones can explore exhibits related to art, culture and community while partaking in interactive activities and crafts.
When: Free admission every third Friday of every month.
Lowe Art Museum
Tucked away in University of Miami’s campus, the Lowe Art Museum opened in 1952 as Miami’s oldest museum and today holds an extensive collection of contemporary and ancient works across different cultures.
When: Admission is always free.
Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU
JMOF is the only museum that collects, documents, preserves and interprets more than 250 years of Florida Jewish history. It is housed in two adjacent restored historic buildings that were once synagogues.
When: Free admission every Saturday.
The Wolfsonian-FIU
Located in the Art Deco District, The Wolfsonian-FIU explores the inventive and provocative character of the modern world through objects and design.
When: Admission is free every Friday from 6-9 p.m., and free for Florida residents.
NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale
While not in Miami, The NSU Art Museum in Fort Lauderdale houses a celebrated permanent collection with more than 7,500 works. Among them is the country’s largest collection of 19th and early 20th century paintings and drawings by the American realist William Glackens and an extensive collection of Latin American and African art.
When: Free admission on the first Thursday of every month.